Wendy Williams Accused of Being "Kidnapped" by Her Niece Amid Dispute with Assisted Living Facility
The Incident: A Night Out Turns Controversial
In a shocking turn of events, Wendy Williams, the beloved TV personality, has found herself at the center of a heated dispute involving her niece, Alex Finnie, and the Manhattan assisted living facility where she resides. The facility, Coterie, has filed a police report accusing Finnie of "kidnapping" Williams after she took her aunt out for dinner. The incident occurred on Wednesday night, when Finnie, who had been visiting Williams at the $18,000-per-month facility, whisked her away to an Italian restaurant in NoHo. However, the facility claims that Finnie "evaded staff by taking Wendy out of the building," sparking a legal and emotional battle.
The Facility’s Allegations: A Tale of Conflicting Stories
According to the police report filed by Coterie, Williams was not permitted to leave the memory unit on the fifth floor without proper authorization, as she was undergoing a psychiatric evaluation. The facility’s staff alleges that Finnie bypassed security protocols to take Williams out, even though a worker had escorted them to the lobby and opened the door of the Uber for them. However, these claims contradict statements made by Williams’ legal team, particularly her guardian’s attorney, Sabrina Morrisey, who maintained that Williams had no restrictions at the facility and was free to come and go as she pleased. This discrepancy has raised questions about the facility’s handling of Williams’ care and the accuracy of their allegations against Finnie.
Wendy Williams Speaks Out: "They Are Lying to Me"
Williams herself has denied any wrongdoing and expressed her frustration over the situation. Fighting back tears, she described the ordeal as "unbelievable," stating, "Clearly they are lying to me saying I can go out and do what I want to do. This is my niece Alex. She just flew in from Miami, ok? I just came from the hospital, so we are going out to celebrate." Williams emphasized that she and her niece are "good" and have returned safely to the facility. Her emotional response highlights the strain she feels under the current living arrangements and the conflicting information surrounding her freedom.
A Night Out: Dinner and Celebration
Despite the controversy, the evening seemed to be a positive and enjoyable experience for Williams and her niece. The pair dined at Max Tucci’s Tucci restaurant in NoHo, where Williams reportedly "looked great" in a Gucci bomber jacket. An insider revealed that Williams was in high spirits, even jotting down notes in her journal during the meal. The source added, "She had a super time, she looked great," and noted that other restaurant guests respected her privacy, allowing her to enjoy her outing with her niece and a young man who accompanied them. The evening appeared to be a rare moment of normalcy for Williams, who has been dealing with significant personal and legal challenges.
Wendy Williams’ Current Condition: "In Great Shape Mentally and Physically"
Williams’ brother, Tommy Williams, has come to her defense, stating that his sister is "in great shape mentally and physically." This contradicts concerns raised by the facility and underscores the broader debate over her care and autonomy. Williams, who is 60, has been living at Coterie after being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, a degenerative disease that affects memory and cognitive function. She was recently assigned a court-ordered guardian, a decision that has sparked controversy among her family and fans. Earlier this week, Williams was hospitalized after she dropped a note from her window reading, "Help! Wendy!" and waved desperately for attention. However, in a surprise live call to "Good Day New York" on Tuesday, Williams revealed that she had passed a mental acuity evaluation "with flying colors," further fueling questions about the necessity of her guardianship and the restrictions placed on her.
The Broader Implications: autonomy and legal battles
The incident involving Williams and her niece has drawn attention to the complexities of guardianship and the balance between protecting vulnerable individuals and respecting their autonomy. Williams’ case has sparked concern among her supporters, who argue that she should have the freedom to make her own decisions and live her life as she sees fit, especially given her recent evaluation results. The legal battle surrounding her care is likely to continue, with her family and legal team advocating for her rights while the facility and her guardian maintain that they are acting in her best interests. As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: Wendy Williams’ story is far from over, and her voice will undoubtedly be heard as she navigates this challenging chapter in her life.
